Recorded a hat-trick on the Flat last year, all at Yarmouth on fast ground. Should get this trip over hurdles, but has a bit to prove on debut, including on good to soft.
Promising hurdles debut at Warwick in November. Improved marginally on that last time, without really kicking on, and looks likely to be one to consider more strongly in handicaps.
Improved when running well at Doncaster last time. Winner didn't do much for that form back there on Saturday, but that does not mean that this gelding can't improve. Should go well at this level.
Went close against a decent sort here in October. Not able to build on that last time, but probably has the best form in the race and could be tough to beat.
Ran well when runner-up at both Warwick and Ayr last year, before having a wind operation. Returned with a respectable effort on AW in November (in first-time tongue-tie). Could improve now back hurdling. Enters calculations.
Soft ground Flat winner (1m6f) in October and ran with some credit on her first two hurdles starts. Needs to bounce back from a below par effort last time, however.
Forecasts
Starjac (5/2), Regarding Ruth (4/1), Swaffham Bulbeck (9/2), Kings Inn (5/1), Havana Hermano (6/1), Some Boy Mccoy (16/1), Queen Adelaide (16/1), Petite Jack (20/1), Bartholomew J (33/1), Ask Jilly (150/1)
Regarding Ruth is of interest now going hurdling and she could get involved here, while Kings Inn has claims now tried in this grade. Swaffham Bulbeck and Some Boy McCoy could both go well for Olly Murphy, who does well at this track, but the suggestion is STARJAC, who has the pick of the form based on his run here against Didtheyleaveuoutto.